A Register-based National Open Cohort StudyEt registerbaseret national åben kohorte studie

Abstract:

Aims: 1) To determine the distribution and determinants of opioid use among chronic nonmalignant pain(CNP) patients. 2) To identify the patient, treatment and socioeconomic characteristics as determinants for potential risk groups. We hypothesized that CNP patient who use opioids for more than 1 year would differ in demographics and comorbidity from other patients who use opioids for less than 6 months. Methods: National registers were used to include patients beginning opioid therapy in the period 01/01/2000 to 31/12/2014(incl.). The cohort consists of adults aged 16 years or older who redeemed at least one prescription for an opioid product and residing in Denmark, analysing only patients who survived for at least two years. Follow-up minimum one year after the last redeemed opioid prescription or to 31/12/2015. Participants are included at first redeemed prescription for an opioid product using the ATC codes N02AA01-N02AX06. Patients were then classified as either opioid use for more than 1 year(group A), as opioid use for more than 6 months but less than 1 year(group B) and opioid use equal to or less than 6 months(group C). Results: The quantity of sold opioids has been increasing during 1997-2008, with a fairly stable but high level since. It is expected that we will be able to determine patterns and the distribution of opioid use among CNP patients in Denmark. Consequently, describing potential risk groups of opioid use based on patient, treatment, comorbidity, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Data analysis is ongoing. Conclusions: It is expected that this study will serve as a significant supplement of existing knowledge in the area of opioid consumption among CNP patients in Denmark. In a future perspective of prevention and health promotion initiatives of the growing public health problem CNP, it might be beneficial to include perspectives of risk assessment of long-term opioid use.